By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor guaranteed on Tuesday, November 25, that the approved ordinance integrating artificial intelligence facial recognition technology into the city’s security system will not collect personal data from ordinary individuals.
Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, chairperson of the Committee on Information Technology and principal author of the ordinance, made the assurance during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos at Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Militar said only those individuals under the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines official watchlists, among other authorities — such as wanted persons, suspected terrorists, or those missing — will be registered in the database.
The councilor emphasized that the system merely scans faces entering monitored areas, such as terminals or establishments, and checks for matches against the database. “If you are not in the system, you simply pass,” he said.
Militar said he visited the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) to review existing technologies in preparation for the measure. He noted that protocols will soon be in place, prohibiting caps or face coverings that obstruct vision.
For Muslim women and nuns, the authorities are advised to provide a private room staffed by female security to ensure respectful verification, the councilor added, noting that the AI system has a 99.9% accuracy rate, which requires verification.
Militar cited that law enforcement agencies, such as the National Bureau of Investigation and the Davao City Police Office, already use advanced imaging technologies capable of distinguishing even identical twins.
Though several firms, including local providers and companies servicing foreign embassies, have presented their technologies, Militar said the city government will still conduct a bidding process to determine which company will supply the AI system.
Militar said the ordinance, which the City Council approved on its final reading on Tuesday morning, aims to enhance public safety and border security by integrating AI at critical entry and exit points throughout Davao City.
The councilor confirmed that a total of 150 new high-definition closed-circuit television units equipped for AI facial recognition will be procured soon, supported by an allocated budget of P40 million.
He said this is a significant project and possibly the first of its kind in the country. He added that the AI system will enhance surveillance capabilities at airports, seaports, and terminals by providing real-time alerts and identifying behavioral anomalies.
Militar said the initiative reflects Davao City’s broader efforts to modernize security operations and that the city hopes to begin implementing the measure next year, as it continues maintaining peace and order.
